Making the workplace healthier: A focus on diabetes

Diabetes is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems of our time and employers can play a significant role in tackling this debilitating disease, says Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Health Maintenance Organisations.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), excessive weight, obesity, aging and population growth has led to a four-fold increase in diabetes cases worldwide since 1980. In Africa, the rise is similarly alarming. In Nigeria, for example, diabetes was once a rarity but today we are considered a ‘diabetic hotspot’.

Let there be no confusion, the message is stark. “The world is facing an unprecedented epidemic of diabetes” said diabetologist David Cavan, Director of the International Diabetes Foundation. 

With the prevalence of diabetes expected to double in the next 20 years, global organisations are taking this very seriously. “If we are to make any headway in halting the rise in diabetes, we need to rethink our daily lives: to eat healthily, be physically active and avoid excessive weight gain” says Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “Even in the poorest settings, governments must ensure that people are able to make these healthy choices and that health systems are able to diagnose and treat people with diabetes”.

Ms. Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO of Avon HMO, takes it one step forward. ‘We should not just rely on the government but also look within our communities to see who else can adopt a top-down approach and create ways that make it easier for people to be healthier.” Ukiri identifies that employers are key and acknowledged the invaluable contributions they can make. “The workplace is where people spend most of their time; employers are ideally positioned to encourage their staff to take health matter more seriously.” Ukiri said.

Why Employers should care about diabetes

Ukiri highlighted that the burden of diabetes is a clear threat to development and economic growth. Half of those who die from chronic non-communicable diseases are in the labour-force and in prime of their productive years. What is often less reported are the many people who lose their vision, have limbs amputated or suffer heart attacks due to the condition. “If we are to believe that almost 1 billion people will have diabetes by 2035, it is only a matter of time before businesses are directly affected by reduced productivity, absenteeism and a loss of talent.” noted Ukiri.

Mrs Abimbola Adekanye runs the Wellness and Preventive Unit at Avon HMO. Part of her role is to drive health awareness within the Avon enrollee community and speaks of the ways employers can make it easier for people to be healthy. “There are a number of simple steps employers can take to halt diabetes in its tracks and prevent devastating complications”. She outlined internal awareness campaigns that highlight the warning signs and health screening initiatives to identify people at risk. “80% of diabetes remains undiagnosed because many of the symptoms are so subtle that they may be hard to recognise” added Adekanye.

Showing leadership in tackling diabetes

In these challenging economic times, employers may shy away from embarking on new initiatives, however Ms. Ukiri noted that taking action doesn’t have to be done alone nor does it have to be expensive. “If your company has a health plan in place, work with your HMO to leverage and share their knowledge, expertise and resources.” “For example, Avon HMO regularly shares health awareness information and hold educational sessions with our members” she said.

What is clear that no matter the initiative, the first step is for companies to commit to bringing about a lasting improvement to their employees’ health. When employers create awareness in the workplace, employees are empowered to make the right choices, the impact of which will be felt beyond the workplace. Ukiri ended by saying ‘Companies can do a little and achieve a lot. What is important is simply to start.